Individual Private, one-on-one lessons Customized to your needs.

In Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
or Online Instruction

  • In-person or Online Lessons
    All Electric and Acoustic Contemporary Guitar Styles $70/hr

    Are you a beginner picking up the guitar for the first time, or an experienced player looking to take your skills to the next level? Whether you're starting from scratch or want to expand your musical horizons, personalized online and in-person guitar lessons can help you achieve your goals.

  • Lesson Package Plans Available - please inquire

    Comprehensive guitar training for students pursuing acceptance into college music programs. Emphasis is placed on technical proficiency, performance repertoire, sight reading, and music theory fundamentals to meet audition standards. Preparation is strategic, detailed, and tailored to institutional requirements..

  • Private Lessons $70/hr

    Mandolin lessons for beginners through advancing players. Build strong fundamentals including proper technique, chord shapes, picking patterns, and tone development. Instruction is tailored to your skill level and musical interests, whether you enjoy folk, bluegrass, or contemporary styles.

  • Private Instruction $70/hr

    Develop the skills to write and arrange music with clarity and purpose. Lessons guide students through melody writing, harmonic structure, arrangement techniques, and adapting music for different instruments or ensembles, building both technical skill and creative confidence.

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"I took my first guitar lesson with Shawn when I was in my late teens. Shawn both encouraged and helped me to prepare to audition for Mohawk College's Applied Music Program in Hamilton, On. With his help, I passed the audition and my career in music began. Over 30 years later, we've stayed in contact and have remained good friends. I have always been a great admirer of Shawn's encyclopedic knowledge of musical theory, his technical playing skill on multiple instruments, his recording expertise, and his perennial willingness to share his good humor and the wisdom he's garnered over his 35-plus years of experience in the Canadian music industry. Whether you're preparing for a University or College audition, or wanting to study any genre of music at the next level of mastery on either the Mandolin or the Guitar, Shawn is your man.”

Rob Cutting - Guitarist & Vocalist, Owner / Instructor @ Hemispheres Music Studio in Burlington On.

See Shawn in Action

“ I took lessons from Shawn from age 10–24. Shawn has mastered the ways of gently pushing you to get better. I studied both guitar and mandolin with him. As a beginner, he helped nurture a solid guitar-playing foundation, and continued to support this growth throughout my teenage and adult life. When I decided to pursue a degree in music last minute, Shawn helped me navigate the audition process; this included helping me learn all the theory necessary in a matter of months. When I took up mandolin, Shawn excitedly introduced me to the history of the instrument and once again ensured that I had a solid foundation.

Shawn brought skill, patience, and humor to every lesson I have ever had with him. He emphasized the idea that one is always a musician, whether behind the instrument or not. Throughout my academic and professional career, Shawn has never shied away from offering support.”

Dan Mercuri - Music Therapist & Professional Musician